RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

Page: << < prev 2 3 [4] 5 6 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/26/2015 4:18:07 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel
-Cape town is running low on supplies (I’m shipping them to India and Australia faster than they are being replenished). I am forming up a convoy to head to England to CS supplies to Cape Town. Has anyone had success doing this? I have extra AK’s right now and I figure having them moving supplies is better than them sitting idle.

IMO you're better off running convoys from USA EC to Cape Town, the UK > CT route is shorter (152 vs. 170), but there's no danger of running low on fuel/supplies at EC. I prefer to let these resources accumulate in UK, in prep for the Suez Canal route to Aden opening on 43-05-14.

I've usually had more trouble keeping CT supplied w/ fuel! Most of my EC > CT convoys in '42 are shipping fuel, using xAKs loading fuel at half-capacity. Look at your Ground Units Reinforcement Queue, you'll get a Convoy arriving at CT about once each month. These guys show as CD arty units, they generally bring in lots of supply but rarely bring fuel. They also bring lots of LCU 'devices' - tanks 'n guns 'n squads - which are transferred to your device pools when the CD-Convoy unit disbands after 3 days in CT. Spend some time examining these device additions, set your device pools to stockpile the arriving stuff as needed, then manipulate your LCU upgrades to give them to your feistiest non-withdrawing LCUs.

For your supply convoys, try to aggregate identical ships. I use TFs of 8 xAKs or 5 TKs.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 91

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/26/2015 6:45:53 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Your marines landing on Viatupu presumably have no prep for that target. If so, expect 50-70% casualties during the landing and the unit will need months to recover. If there are really only 250 troops on the island, bomb and bombard them out of existence and save your Marines for worthwhile targets.
Part of the Allied survival guide is to avoid the pressure to "do something" just because you can. If it fits your long term plans, fine. Otherwise it is a distraction and a drain on your available resources.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 92

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/26/2015 8:54:28 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Your marines landing on Viatupu presumably have no prep for that target. If so, expect 50-70% casualties during the landing and the unit will need months to recover. If there are really only 250 troops on the island, bomb and bombard them out of existence and save your Marines for worthwhile targets.
Part of the Allied survival guide is to avoid the pressure to "do something" just because you can. If it fits your long term plans, fine. Otherwise it is a distraction and a drain on your available resources.

"What he said."

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 93

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/26/2015 10:42:41 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Your marines landing on Viatupu presumably have no prep for that target. If so, expect 50-70% casualties during the landing and the unit will need months to recover. If there are really only 250 troops on the island, bomb and bombard them out of existence and save your Marines for worthwhile targets.
Part of the Allied survival guide is to avoid the pressure to "do something" just because you can. If it fits your long term plans, fine. Otherwise it is a distraction and a drain on your available resources.

"What he said."

Thanks guys, I realize I forgot one little piece of info in my last post, the 8th Marines have a Viatupu prep value in the 60-65 range.

I have been meaning to occupy and make Viatupu another air base that could defend my supply route, but my shortage of AP's has put this effort on the back burner (and I use a units objective to remind me where I want them to go). Since I already had an adequate unit ready, I thought this little operation was a good opportunity to occupy the island to build up the base (in the strategic plan) and attempt an amphibious invasion at Viatupu (not in in the strategic plan

). It's small in scale, and the base is relatively far from Japanese air power (including the KB, which has been in the DEI for a few weeks now.), so I felt the risk was worth it. You guys bring up a good point (as usual)....how high do you guys prep a unit before you commit it to an amphibious assault?

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 94

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/26/2015 11:00:19 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

I've usually had more trouble keeping CT supplied w/ fuel! Most of my EC > CT convoys in '42 are shipping fuel, using xAKs loading fuel at half-capacity.

For your supply convoys, try to aggregate identical ships. I use TFs of 8 xAKs or 5 TKs.

Ahhh, I have only been using TK's to transport fuel, that's my problem (among other things

). I guess since I have those idle AK's, I might as well put them to work.

Thanks for the info on convoys in CT, I'll check out those devices. That reminds me of something I will learn for next time...When starting a game, turn automatic upgrades off! I know I've read it on the forums, but for some reason that little piece of advice slipped my mind when I started this game. I think I assumed there would be only a handful of units I would not want to have reinforcements/upgraded....WRONG!

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 95

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/26/2015 11:52:27 PM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline

But there is hope. As I recall Michael made a change (long ago) where you can access and change the upgrage and take replacement settings of reinforcements en masse. Play around with the screens that display all LCU and all air groups (not just the ones at a particular base) and you will find it.

_____________________________

Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 96

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/28/2015 4:01:42 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

There's another Preference you should review, in the Realism Options block. "Auto convert obsolete devices" should be ON. Inf & Eng squad-types in the pools that have passed their sell-by date will gradually auto-convert to the current device, IIRC this process begins 6 months after the expiration date.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 97

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/28/2015 4:44:08 PM

pontiouspilot

Posts: 1127
Joined: 7/27/2012
Status: offline

Vaitupo or whatever it is called is worthless in my view. It takes forever to upgrade port and airfield there...hell it will take you forever to reload the Marines to move them somewhere useful. For me a full US base force barely built latrines in 4 months. One of the other trio of islands is better...Funafuti I believe.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 98

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/28/2015 5:14:05 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

And another thing, spend some time looking through all your merchies, there's hidden gold there! I'm talking about AP/AK types that can Convert to AKV, AE, APA, AKA & LSI. YMMV may vary b/c you're playing a scenario different to mine, but there's likely 12 xAP that can convert to APA on 3/43, & 6 AK that can convert to AKA on 6/43. 'S important to preserve these ships (either in port at Mare Island or only on the safest, best-protected Transport convoys), they'll be the nucleus of what will eventually become a massive amphibious capacity.

There are also no few at-start USN DD that can convert right away to APD, or later on to DE. I always go for the immediate APD Conversion, they get an ASW of 6, & most folks'll tell you that you can never have enough APD. If you ever see a ship that can convert to an AR, go for it. Add'l DD can convert to AVD/AVP - 2 of these will convert a dot-hex to a forward air-search point. Some xAK can convert to AG, to support forward light-ASW forces.

Also too,

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 99

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/30/2015 12:35:13 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

There's another Preference you should review, in the Realism Options block. "Auto convert obsolete devices" should be ON. Inf & Eng squad-types in the pools that have passed their sell-by date will gradually auto-convert to the current device, IIRC this process begins 6 months after the expiration date.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

And another thing, spend some time looking through all your merchies, there's hidden gold there! I'm talking about AP/AK types that can Convert to AKV, AE, APA, AKA & LSI. YMMV may vary b/c you're playing a scenario different to mine, but there's likely 12 xAP that can convert to APA on 3/43, & 6 AK that can convert to AKA on 6/43. 'S important to preserve these ships (either in port at Mare Island or only on the safest, best-protected Transport convoys), they'll be the nucleus of what will eventually become a massive amphibious capacity.

There are also no few at-start USN DD that can convert right away to APD, or later on to DE. I always go for the immediate APD Conversion, they get an ASW of 6, & most folks'll tell you that you can never have enough APD. If you ever see a ship that can convert to an AR, go for it. Add'l DD can convert to AVD/AVP - 2 of these will convert a dot-hex to a forward air-search point. Some xAK can convert to AG, to support forward light-ASW forces.

Also too,

Wow this is all good stuff. I double-checked, and auto convert was on.
I have taken a look at ship conversions before, but only to do some AK to AP conversions. I'll be on the lookout for those AKA and DD conversions you mentioned. This game really is like an onion, layers upon layers of strategic/logistical goodies.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 100

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/30/2015 12:40:17 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

But there is hope. As I recall Michael made a change (long ago) where you can access and change the upgrage and take replacement settings of reinforcements en masse. Play around with the screens that display all LCU and all air groups (not just the ones at a particular base) and you will find it.

Found it! On the bottom left of the LCU, ground air, naval air, and naval unit "display all" screens. Separate buttons to change the replacement and upgrade settings, this will come in handy, thanks for the tip witpqs.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 101

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/30/2015 12:50:16 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

Vaitupo or whatever it is called is worthless in my view. It takes forever to upgrade port and airfield there...hell it will take you forever to reload the Marines to move them somewhere useful. For me a full US base force barely built latrines in 4 months. One of the other trio of islands is better...Funafuti I believe.

Welcome aboard pontiouspilot!

Yeah you are probably right about Viatupu. In the week following the Viatupu invasion, the Japanese have now landed at Funafuti (2K troops) as well, the Japanese are really going for the Ellice islands...maybe because I didn't garrison them like I did other SouthPac islands. My retaking of Viatupu was successful (it occurred before the Japanese landings at Funafuti), and now i'm thinking I should leave them there to serve as a PBY base to keep an eye on Japanese activities in the area. In the meantime, the Samoas and Fiji are being re-inforced with even more urgency...since they are now on the front line.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to pontiouspilot)

Post #: 102

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/2/2015 11:23:18 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 15: March 16th – March 22nd 1942

North Pacific: By the end of the week, my engineers finally reached Adak and began base expansion. Initial efforts will be to expand the airfield to level 1, so I can fly in some fighter protection. Afterwards the port will be expanded so I can more effectively use it as a sub base. To that end, I have also sent a sub tender and a patrol tender to Adak from Pearl Harbor.

Central Pacific: No IJN activity.

Southern Pacific: Lots of IJN surface activity in the area this week; however, no major firefights occurred. My minor offensive to re-take Viatupu was successful with low casualties (200-ish). Half of which occurred during the attack that wiped out the 500 man Japanese garrison on the island.
As my CV’s were retiring to Pearl Harbor, the Japanese struck again, this time @ Funafuti (south of Viatupu). The transports got in and out in less than 2 days…before my CV’s could react back into the area. The timing was perfect for them. This garrison is reported to be around 2,000, so any reaction on my part will be limited to naval bombardments and air raids from my carriers or LBA from my Fiji/Samoan bases.

New Guinea/Solomons: The Allies lose Buna and a reported 8,000 IJA troops begin marching overland towards Port Moresby on the Kakoda Track. I receive intelligence suggesting 2 more IJA regiments are preparing for Port Moresby. In defense, I have 1 artillery unit and 4 regiments of Austrailian infantry well supplied (70K supplies) and dug in behind level 3 (almost 4) forts. This area looks to get real serious, real soon. LET’S GET RRRRRRRREADY TO RRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUMMMMBLE!!
On the bright side, this week my Dauntlesses stationed @ Lunga sunk 3 AK’s and 2 PB’s near Shortlands. In addition, a Cruiser was bombed (Knagasa I think) in the same hex, but escaped before she could be finished off.

DEI/Philippines: Out of supplies and too exhausted to fight on, my troops finally retreat and give Clark Field to the enemy. With Clark taken, Bataan is the last Allied outpost on Luzon. I have 750 AV there, but the supply situation is the same as it was @ Clark (@ Zero). Lots of demoralized/fatigued troops, I fear they may not last through the end of the month.
The rest of the Philippines are being mopped up by Japanese forces.
In the DEI, the Japanese have taken central Java and are pressing towards Batavia in the North West and Soerbaja in the South East. The southern tip of Sumatra was also taken, including the valuable oil fields @ Palembang. I mined the hell out of the port before it fell, let’s hope it pays some dividends.

SE Asia/China: With the fall of Singapore, the Malaya peninsula is quiet, except for Japanese air raids on Tandjoenpinang .
In Burma, IJA takes Rangoon and Magwe. I have my forces making a stand at Mandalay…my last defensive line in central Burma. On the coast, Akyab and Cox’s Bazaar are fortifying. No signs of enemy troops in the Akyab area, but that should change with the loss of Prome at the end of the week. The main IJA force was @ Rangoon (80K troops), now it will be interesting to see how many head up the coast and how many attack central Burma. Akyab is important enough to stay and fight for, no matter what comes its way. I would like to stay and fight in central Burma too; however, if a large troop mass is seen heading for Mandalay, I may bug out and save my troops there for the inevitable fight on the Indian border…where the terrain and supply situations are much more favorable to me.
In China, I am focusing on conserving as much supply as possible. I’m consolidating my position around Chengchow, as the IJA looks like it is also moving troops in that direction. Continuing to stay on the defensive due to supply.

KB Watch:
- 1-CV & 2-CVL’s spotted south of Jakarta. (3-16)
- 6-CV’s & 2-CVE’s spotted near Batavia [North Java] (3-18)
- 1-CV and 1-CVL spotted NE of Java (3-20)
- 2-CV’s spotted SW of Bandjermasin [Borneo] and 2-CV’s & 6-CVL’s spotted near Balikpapan [Borneo] (3-22)

Most of the KB operates in the DEI all week (again), supporting the attacks on Java and Sumatra. While this spells certain doom for my troops in the DEI, it also means Ceylon/India and the South Pacific are safe for now. I form up a few escorted convoys to re-supply Calcutta, and my SouthPac bases while the air threat (from CV’s) is low.

Notable Base Captures:
-Jakarta [Java], Rangoon [Burma], Palembang [Sumatra], and Buna [New Guinea] captured by Japan (3/16)
-Praboemoelih [Sumatra] and Magwe [Burma] captured by Japan (3/18)
-Singkep [Sumatra] captured by Japan (3/19)
-Muntok [Java] and Biak [New Guinea] captured by Japan (3/20)
-Viatupu [Ellice Is.] captured by Allies (3/20)
- Clark Field [Philippines] captured by Japan (3/21)
-Funafuti [Ellice Is.] and Prome [Burma] captured by Japan (3/22)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 872 [+39] Biggest Losses (#): Buffalo (117), P-40 (60), 139WH3 (56)
Japanese: 1,319 [+43] Biggest Losses (#): Betty (271), Nate (111), Zero (102)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 180 [+3] Notables: CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra
Japanese: 124 [+4] Notables: CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,270 [+438]
Japanese: 1,273 [27]

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 11,938 [-1,207]
Japanese: 11,226 [+886]

Other Notes:
-3 IJN Surface TF’s have been cruising around my US-Australia supply line east of Baker Island. They haven’t found any of my convoys yet…as I have taken manual control of them and routed them away from danger. CV Enterprise is steaming toward the area from Pearl, to provide some support.
-CV Saratoga was hit by an IJN sub off Brisbane while heading there to refuel. I had an ASW TF patrolling 1 hex away and the Saratoga TF had DD’s with mediocre ASW ratings…and still a sub got through. Not sure what else I can do at the moment, I may just keep my CV’s away from the Australian coast for now (I’ll refuel @ Noumea instead).

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 103

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/3/2015 5:55:07 AM

Yaab

Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel
-Cape town is running low on supplies (I’m shipping them to India and Australia faster than they are being replenished). I am forming up a convoy to head to England to CS supplies to Cape Town. Has anyone had success doing this? I have extra AK’s right now and I figure having them moving supplies is better than them sitting idle.

IMO you're better off running convoys from USA EC to Cape Town, the UK > CT route is shorter (152 vs. 170), but there's no danger of running low on fuel/supplies at EC. I prefer to let these resources accumulate in UK, in prep for the Suez Canal route to Aden opening on 43-05-14.

I've usually had more trouble keeping CT supplied w/ fuel! Most of my EC > CT convoys in '42 are shipping fuel, using xAKs loading fuel at half-capacity. Look at your Ground Units Reinforcement Queue, you'll get a Convoy arriving at CT about once each month. These guys show as CD arty units, they generally bring in lots of supply but rarely bring fuel. They also bring lots of LCU 'devices' - tanks 'n guns 'n squads - which are transferred to your device pools when the CD-Convoy unit disbands after 3 days in CT. Spend some time examining these device additions, set your device pools to stockpile the arriving stuff as needed, then manipulate your LCU upgrades to give them to your feistiest non-withdrawing LCUs.

For your supply convoys, try to aggregate identical ships. I use TFs of 8 xAKs or 5 TKs.

Schlussel, why do you ship supply from Cape Town to India and Australia? They both produce surplus supply. If you really need to haul supply to India, you could ship the supply from the off-map Abadan to India, since Abadan gets 1700 free supply daily. I use small xAK to do so, since Abadan port is small at start and loading takes too much time for my liking.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 104

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/7/2015 5:17:04 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel
-Cape town is running low on supplies (I’m shipping them to India and Australia faster than they are being replenished). I am forming up a convoy to head to England to CS supplies to Cape Town. Has anyone had success doing this? I have extra AK’s right now and I figure having them moving supplies is better than them sitting idle.

IMO you're better off running convoys from USA EC to Cape Town, the UK > CT route is shorter (152 vs. 170), but there's no danger of running low on fuel/supplies at EC. I prefer to let these resources accumulate in UK, in prep for the Suez Canal route to Aden opening on 43-05-14.

I've usually had more trouble keeping CT supplied w/ fuel! Most of my EC > CT convoys in '42 are shipping fuel, using xAKs loading fuel at half-capacity. Look at your Ground Units Reinforcement Queue, you'll get a Convoy arriving at CT about once each month. These guys show as CD arty units, they generally bring in lots of supply but rarely bring fuel. They also bring lots of LCU 'devices' - tanks 'n guns 'n squads - which are transferred to your device pools when the CD-Convoy unit disbands after 3 days in CT. Spend some time examining these device additions, set your device pools to stockpile the arriving stuff as needed, then manipulate your LCU upgrades to give them to your feistiest non-withdrawing LCUs.

For your supply convoys, try to aggregate identical ships. I use TFs of 8 xAKs or 5 TKs.

Schlussel, why do you ship supply from Cape Town to India and Australia? They both produce surplus supply. If you really need to haul supply to India, you could ship the supply from the off-map Abadan to India, since Abadan gets 1700 free supply daily. I use small xAK to do so, since Abadan port is small at start and loading takes too much time for my liking.

Hi Yaab!

Good question, I guess that optimization gene in me sees all that supply/fuel in off map bases (Cape Town/Abadan/Aden/etc.) not being used, and I have quite a few AK's (many that retreated from the DEI) that are sitting in Sydney/Perth/Colombo doing nothing. Currently I have enough supply/fuel in India and Australia, but I'm mostly on the defensive. Once I start getting a steady stream of ships/planes and LCU's, I will need a lot more supply/fuel to 'feed the beast' and keep the Allied war machine on the offensive. My main thrust will be in the SW Pacific, but I plan on limited offensives in India/Burma and even something aimed at the DEI originating from Australia. These two ancillary fronts will draw supply from India and Australia, so I figure I should get my logistics in place as soon as I can.
I think that once I am able to grab the initiative, I need to keep the pressure on the Japanese and grind them down on as many fronts as possible. The thing I fear most (even more so than the KB) is having to interrupt my offensive momentum because of an oversight in supply.
It's entirely possible I am being over-cautious on this, so comments are welcome. It's only been 4 game months and I have already lost count of the number of times I have received great advice here.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Yaab)

Post #: 105

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/7/2015 7:41:19 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Your thinking seems sound, Schlussel. I was going to say that I agree that India and Australia have enough supply production to subsist on at the levels required at game start, but filling out units and bringing in more, plus operations will quickly require much more supply. You really do have to start bringing it in from day one.

SoPac may not have any supply generation, but you can't put a lot of troops on the islands any more with stacking limits. And, although you want to make them into tough fortresses in the first six months of the war, events move on from there pretty rapidly in the second six months.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 106

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/10/2015 6:59:28 AM

Yaab

Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline

I have just checked my supply levels in India in my previous campaign. On Dec 31, 1941 the supplies piled up in Bombay (100,000 supplies), Calcutta(50,000) and Dehli (10,000). I did not manipulate the supplies required toggles anywhere and this supply accumulation is due to automatic supply distribution. I guess one could start shipping those idle supplies from Bombay to Calcutta, from where they can be distributed further i.e. to Chittagong.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 107

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/10/2015 3:50:10 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

I have just checked my supply levels in India in my previous campaign. On Dec 31, 1941 the supplies piled up in Bombay (100,000 supplies), Calcutta(50,000) and Dehli (10,000). I did not manipulate the supplies required toggles anywhere and this supply accumulation is due to automatic supply distribution. I guess one could start shipping those idle supplies from Bombay to Calcutta, from where they can be distributed further i.e. to Chittagong.

Question Yaab - are most of your units in India set to receive replacements automatically? I do this first for all the units that have engineers in the TOE or have good leaders.

Morale seems to depend heavily on filling out TOE and even the small units are useful for garrison duty when they fill out a bit - freeing up larger units to go to the sound of the guns. At any rate, with replacements "on" for many units it took me a while to get 100K supply in Calcutta. Most of the supply in India was in Madras until I moved a few or the reinforcement divisions to Bombay.

The other thing a lot of players do until the Japanese show up is send supply to Rangoon to help keep China in the game. You need to CAP the port for this as Netties from Bangkok can easily reach the area. Once the IJA shows up at Chiang Mai or the IJN in the strait of Malacca, pull back to India is the smart move and supply will be needed there.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Yaab)

Post #: 108

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/12/2015 6:53:20 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 16: March 23rd – March 29th 1942

North Pacific: Adak is now a level 1 airfield. Switching to port facility upgrades.

Central Pacific: Another KB Jr. raid on Midway, with moderate airfield damage, which takes only a few days to repair. IJN surface forces hit a small supply convoy near Baker Island, both of my AK’s in the convoy are sunk.

Southern Pacific: Lots of IJN surface activity in the area this week, however, no major firefights occurred. Funafuti is firmly in Japanese control, although Enterprise and Hermes had some good results from air attacks on the garrison, before it left for the south pacific. CV’s Hornet and Yorktown are in transit to defend the supply line.

New Guinea/Solomons: A small IJN surface force (3-CA, 2-DD) attempts to interdict shipping around Noumea, but are surprised when Enterprise and Hermes show up and spoil their fun. All 3 IJN cruisers take at least 5 bomb hits, but retreat under the cover of darkness.
During the week, Intel detects 6 Japanese Inf. Regiments boarding transports, heading for Rossel Island. At the moment, all I have there is an Aussie Brigade and an artillery unit. Enterprise and Hermes are on their way, and they will be joined by Saratoga, finishing up repairs in Brisbane. As long as the KB stays in the DEI, I feel safe committing my CV’s here. I have about 4 subs in the Coral Sea, and I have adjusted their positions to scout for incoming ships from the north. I also have the 14th Aus. Bde in Sydney prepping for Rossel Island. If the opportunity presents itself, I will ship them out to Rossel to reinforce the garrison.

DEI/Philippines:
My defenders at Bataan are under constant bombardment all week. No deliberate attacks by the IJA yet, but my AV @ Bataan is already down from 750 to 560. The IJA artillery shells and lack of supplies are taking their toll.

SE Asia/China:
In Burma, IJA reaches Mandalay and begins bombarding the city. Since I'm outnumbered at least 2 to 1, I have all my best infantry units retreating toward the Indian border, leaving only a mediocre rearguard @ Mandalay to stall the Japanese. On the coast, Akyab and Cox’s Bazaar are fortifying, and I have 3 experienced Aussie Brigades heading to Akyab. Without a rail connection, the going is slow, but they should arrive in the next week.
In China, I am focusing on conserving as much supply as possible by staying on the defensive.

KB Watch:
- 5-CV’s west of Midway. (3-23 and 3-24)
- 2-CVL’s north of Java (3-23)
- 5-CVL’s south of Jakarta (3-24)
- 3-CV’s docked @ Singapore
- 3-CVL’s SW of Jakarts (3-25)
- 5-CV’s between Palembang & Batavia (3-27 thru 3-29)

Part of the KB operates in the DEI all week (again), supporting the attacks on Java and Sumatra. The rest hits Midway. Seeing the KB all week allows me more freedom with my own CV’s.

Notable Base Captures:
-Singkawang [Borneo] and Soerkarta [Java] captured by Japan (3/23)
-Oosthaven [Sumatra] captured by Japan (3/24)
-Goodenough Island [New Guinea] captured by Japan (3/25)
-Bolea [DEI] and Madioen [Java] captured by Japan (3/26)
- Tobali [Sumatra] captured by Japan (3/27)
-Banjoewangi [Java], Mantaram [DEI], and Kalidjati [Java] captured by Japan (3/29)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 941 [+69] Biggest Losses (#): Buffalo (119), P-40 (61), 139WH3 (60)
Japanese: 1,398 [+79] Biggest Losses (#): Betty (267), Nate (153), Zero (136)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 188 [+8] Notables: CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra
Japanese: 135 [+9] Notables: CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,563 [+293]
Japanese: 1,293 [+20]

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 12,229 [+291]
Japanese: 11,745 [+519]

Other Notes:
-The Japanese assault on Java is nearing its inevitable conclusion. Batavia and Soerbaja are the only areas of significant resistance to the IJA steamroller. However these two bases are well supplied and have respectable fortifications.
-Rossel Island looks to be the next Japanese target. It’s on the edge of Japanese air coverage, so I hope my carriers can inflict some damage. If I’m able to win local air superiority, I may even reinforce my garrison there. I’d love to base some Dive Bombers there, but the airfield is only @ Lvl 1, which means no offensive missions. I’ll have to rely on my CV’s to hit the enemy amphib task force.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 109

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/12/2015 3:02:39 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

What class of cruiser were those CAs you hit around Noumea, and where is their nearest refuge?
Five bombs on one of the Kako class CAs is almost certain to sink it, while the Atago class can absorb that and travel a fair distance before starting repairs.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 110

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/13/2015 7:11:23 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

What class of cruiser were those CAs you hit around Noumea, and where is their nearest refuge?
Five bombs on one of the Kako class CAs is almost certain to sink it, while the Atago class can absorb that and travel a fair distance before starting repairs.

The cruisers were:
- CA Aoba [Aoba Class]
- CA Ashigara [Myoko Class]
- CL Nagara [Nagara Class]

Nearest Japanese base is @ Shortlands, which is 26 hexes away.

I'm assuming the cruiser names are correct and aren't subject to Fog of War. Is this a correct assumption?

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 111

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/13/2015 4:08:48 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

What class of cruiser were those CAs you hit around Noumea, and where is their nearest refuge?
Five bombs on one of the Kako class CAs is almost certain to sink it, while the Atago class can absorb that and travel a fair distance before starting repairs.

The cruisers were:
- CA Aoba [Aoba Class]
- CA Ashigara [Myoko Class]
- CL Nagara [Nagara Class]

Nearest Japanese base is @ Shortlands, which is 26 hexes away.

I'm assuming the cruiser names are correct and aren't subject to Fog of War. Is this a correct assumption?

The type (CA, CL) is usually correct in a combat report (though not in Coastwatcher or Nav Search reports) but the class within the type and the ship name can vary much. For example, the small CL Yubari (the only one of her class - a prototype with guns mounted two per turret) is often reported as one of the larger, better armed but older CLs with single mount guns. The experience level or NavB skill of the bomber pilots seems to have some effect on ship ID FOW.

If you watch the combat animations, you sometimes get more accurate ID on the ships involved. I have also noted that misidentification of the target ship in the animation correlates with usually missing the target while accurate ID is much more likely to hit the target.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 112

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/14/2015 2:48:28 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

What class of cruiser were those CAs you hit around Noumea, and where is their nearest refuge?
Five bombs on one of the Kako class CAs is almost certain to sink it, while the Atago class can absorb that and travel a fair distance before starting repairs.

The cruisers were:
- CA Aoba [Aoba Class]
- CA Ashigara [Myoko Class]
- CL Nagara [Nagara Class]

Nearest Japanese base is @ Shortlands, which is 26 hexes away.

I'm assuming the cruiser names are correct and aren't subject to Fog of War. Is this a correct assumption?

The type (CA, CL) is usually correct in a combat report (though not in Coastwatcher or Nav Search reports) but the class within the type and the ship name can vary much. For example, the small CL Yubari (the only one of her class - a prototype with guns mounted two per turret) is often reported as one of the larger, better armed but older CLs with single mount guns. The experience level or NavB skill of the bomber pilots seems to have some effect on ship ID FOW.

If you watch the combat animations, you sometimes get more accurate ID on the ships involved. I have also noted that misidentification of the target ship in the animation correlates with usually missing the target while accurate ID is much more likely to hit the target.

Good to know, you are a wealth of information BBF

. So do you use the durability stat to estimate how far a ship can travel before needing repairs? If so, I'm thinking I got at least the Nagara.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 113

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/14/2015 4:06:25 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

If those 5 bomb hits were 1000 pounders, I think you are right about Nagara and I doubt Aoba would make it 26 hexes either. Ashigara is also in trouble, although with good dice rolls it will make it to safety. Figure Ashigara for about six hexes per turn and set your subs accordingly.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 114

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/16/2015 1:14:19 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Good call. SS Cuttlefish found the Ashigara near Rennel Island and put four torpedoes into her...unfortunately all were duds.

I'll keep shadowing the Japanese cruiser and hopefully get a few more shots at her in the coming days.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 115

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/17/2015 4:03:13 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – April 1st 1942

Central Pacific:
Surface Forces: 2-CV , 8-BB, 7-CA, 30-DD (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 488K @ Pearl Harbor

New Guinea/Solomons:
Surface Forces: 2-CV , 1-CVL, 1-BB, 11-CA, 16-DD (@Noumea)
Fuel Reserves: 238K @ Noumea
17K @ Port Moresby
17K @ Sydney

SE Asia/China:
Surface Forces: 2-CV , 2-BB, 9-CA, 4-DD (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 237K @ Colombo

Base Status:
Port Moresby:
Port Size: 2.83 (+0.40)
Airfield Size: 4.78 (+0.54)
Supplies: 70K (25 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 1.96 (+1.20)
Airfield Size: 3.07 (+1.72)
Supplies: 9K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Luganville:
Port Size: 3.53 (+0.66)
Airfield Size: 3.66 (+1.29)
Supplies: 13K (16 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 2.00 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 3.76 (+0.98)
Supplies: 9K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Baker Island:
Port Size: 2.01 (+0.41)
Airfield Size: 1.13 (+0.04)
Supplies: 15K (33 Weeks of normal operations)

Johnston Is.:
Port Size: 1.53 (+0.18)
Airfield Size: 2.03 (+0.01)
Supplies: 7K (13 Weeks of normal operations)

Midway:
Port Size: 2.08 (+0.25)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (+0.00)
Supplies: 17K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Akyab:
Port Size: 1.22 (+0.80)
Airfield Size: 3.47 (+0.43)
Supplies: 7K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Adak:
Port Size: 1.99 (+0.99)
Airfield Size: 1.32 (+1.32)
Supplies: 5K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 10/17/2015 5:06:41 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 116

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/23/2015 6:42:55 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 17: March 30th – April 5th 1942

North Pacific:
Adak is coming along nicely. Once construction here is complete, I may move westward down the Aleutian chain to occupy a forward base with a small garrison and PBY’s to serve as an early warning outpost.

Central Pacific: No IJN activity.

Southern Pacific:
In a surprise move, it appears the Japanese have abandoned Funafuti. After a few Carrier airstrikes early in the week, I sent in a small CA/DD bombardment group and they sank two AK’s in the port, with a reported 400 casualties. The next day, all the ground forces (2,200 troops) were gone. Perhaps I caught the tail end of an extraction force?

New Guinea/Solomons:
Two of my three fleet carriers have arrived on station SW of Rossel Island, with no signs of an IJN invasion fleet. My carrier aircraft sunk a few stray AK’s in the Coral Sea, but nothing with troops. Now the bad news, I have not spotted the KB that was operating in the DEI last week, and on 4-5, a squadron of 9 Kate’s bombed Rossel Island. Damage was minimal, but those are carrier aircraft…and the incoming vector suggests there might be some IJN CV’s in the area. No confirmed CV sightings but I am going to error on the side of caution. My next move will be to pull my CV TF farther SW of Rossel until I get a better picture of what CV assets the IJN has in the Coral Sea.

DEI/Philippines:
My defenders at Bataan are battling shock/deliberate attacks all week. They are holding their own, inflicting 3,500 casualties, while losing 2,500 of their own…but my AV is down from 560 to about 270 it’s only a matter of time now.
In the DEI, my hold on Java is now reduced to just Batavia and Soerbaja. Batavia is in trouble, forces that took Merak a few weeks ago have marched overland and are now besieging the town…what’s more, the week ends with an IJN amphib. TF spotted off Batavia.

SE Asia/China:
In Burma, the IJA takes Mandalay after three successive shock attacks. The battle was hard fought, with both sides losing about 4,500 troops. Now I am retreating to the Indian border, with a small expendable rearguard @ Schwebo to hopefully delay any pursuit. On the bright side, 3 experienced British brigades arrive @ Aden, and they are promptly loaded up and on their way to Karachi. From there they will travel by rail to Chittagong before marching to the Burmese border.
In China, I am focusing on conserving as much supply as possible by staying on the defensive.

KB Watch:
No confirmed sightings all week. Some activity in the Coral Sea suggests a KB Jr. presence, but nothing concrete yet. This latest development means I must be much more cautious with my carriers. Currently I have 2 CV’s guarding my US-AUS supply line near Baker Island, and the other 3 CV’s are SW of Rossel Island near the Coral Sea.

Notable Base Captures:
-Meiktila [Burma] captured by Japan (3/31)
-Djanbi [Sumatra] Woodlark Island [New Guinea] captured by Japan (4/3)
-Mandalay [Burma] and Malang [Java]captured by Japan (4/5)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 997 [+56] Biggest Losses (#): Buffalo (123), 139WH3 (79), P-40E (61)
Japanese: 1,426 [+28] Biggest Losses (#): Betty (341), Sally (130), Zero (129)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 200 [+12] Notables: CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra
Japanese: 143 [+8] Notables: CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,887 [+324]
Japanese: 1,360 [+67]

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 12,499 [+270]
Japanese: 12,362 [+617]

Other Notes:
-Another Japanese regiment is reported to be loaded and on its way to Rossel Island (total of 9 different regiments noted in the last two weeks). Add this to a suspected KB presence in the Coral Sea, and it looks like the SW Pacific may be heating up soon. I have 3 American CV’s and 1 Brit CVL in the area, but I still don’t want to risk them right now. The garrison might not have CV support if the Japanese show up with their carriers.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 117

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/26/2015 4:24:05 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

**SPECIAL REPORT: April 10th 1942***

Rossel Island invasion force sighted by PBY patrols west of Shortlands! Enterprise and Hermes are steaming from the south @ full speed to intercept. While there are no reports of enemy carriers in the area, CV Task Force commander has been advised to use caution.

Rossel Island defenses consist of the 3rd Aussie Brigade (64 AV) an AA unit, and a base force...all hunkering down behind level 3 forts.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 118

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/26/2015 5:33:42 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

3 TFs likely means three different islands in the group leading to Milne Bay.

Just as an indication of how much FOW there is in your naval search, the Japanese have ONE LSD in their entire fleet for the first year.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 119

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/27/2015 5:50:36 AM

Yaab

Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

I have just checked my supply levels in India in my previous campaign. On Dec 31, 1941 the supplies piled up in Bombay (100,000 supplies), Calcutta(50,000) and Dehli (10,000). I did not manipulate the supplies required toggles anywhere and this supply accumulation is due to automatic supply distribution. I guess one could start shipping those idle supplies from Bombay to Calcutta, from where they can be distributed further i.e. to Chittagong.

Question Yaab - are most of your units in India set to receive replacements automatically? I do this first for all the units that have engineers in the TOE or have good leaders.

Morale seems to depend heavily on filling out TOE and even the small units are useful for garrison duty when they fill out a bit - freeing up larger units to go to the sound of the guns. At any rate, with replacements "on" for many units it took me a while to get 100K supply in Calcutta. Most of the supply in India was in Madras until I moved a few or the reinforcement divisions to Bombay.

The other thing a lot of players do until the Japanese show up is send supply to Rangoon to help keep China in the game. You need to CAP the port for this as Netties from Bangkok can easily reach the area. Once the IJA shows up at Chiang Mai or the IJN in the strait of Malacca, pull back to India is the smart move and supply will be needed there.

Well, in my campaign I had zero units in India receiving replacements in December 1941. The supplies just accumulated at the bases automatically. Granted, I moved India Command HQ from Delhi to Calcutta, making supply accumulation in Calcutta faster, but that is about it. Nevertheless, what bugged me was this big pile of supplies sitting in Bombay. It seems the code pushes supply to the best developed base in a given country, and if such base is a port, the code pushes even more supplies there.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 120